MATHEWS OFF TO STRONG START IN PRESEASON

He lost it last year with the broken collarbone that ended his preseason and sidelined him until Week 3. It was difficult to regain, though Mathews would not admit it, behind a struggling offensive line.

This year, through two exhibitions, the Chargers running back is rolling.

Mathews carried nine times for 45 yards Thursday night in a 33-28 loss to the Bears. It was his second straight productive effort, and a healthy one at that, as the regular season nears.

He had three carries for 19 yards against the Seahawks last week.

“You get used to game situations, how your linemen block and how they handle certain situations,” Mathews said. “They’re doing a great job, and I’ve just got to do the easy part: pick a hole and run through it. That’s what I’m doing.”

Danny Woodhead was sidelined Thursday as he recovers from an undisclosed injury. He likely will make his preseason debut next week against the Cardinals.

For now, the Chargers can assess their run game in what Mathews has shown.

Last year’s struggles in pass protection — quarterback Philip Rivers was sacked a career-high 49 times — were amplified by the inability to run. The team averaged 3.6 yards per carry, and its four rushing touchdowns were the lowest in franchise history.

For Mathews, coach Mike McCoy said, “the future is now.”

“The way that (he) ran the ball was outstanding,” McCoy said. “We ran the ball efficiently tonight. I think the way he’s running the football (is) what we’re looking for in our back.”

Green light

Two weeks, two touchdowns for Ladarius Green.

The Chargers tight end found the end zone on a seam route in the second quarter. He caught all five passes on which he was targeted for a game-high 78 yards.

Last week, the 2012 fourth-round draft pick came open when rookie Brad Sorensen improvised in the pocket, extending the play with his legs on a rollout to the left.

“This time, I think it was the same thing,” Green said. “The quarterback just made a great throw.”

The 12-yard touchdown pass was one of two for Charlie Whitehurst. The veteran went 9-of-13 for 97 yards, a rating of 130.4.

Green saw the field sparingly as a rookie. He said he feels “a little more calm” now.

“I’m learning from (Antonio) Gates,” Green said. “I’ve learned from Randy (McMichael) and Dante (Rosario), and now I’m learning from John Phillips as well. All these guys are helping me to just calm down. Everything seems a little bit slower now.”

Alexander has surgery

Danario Alexander wore a hairnet while lying in a Florida hospital bed, smiling at a camera phone with his right hand signaling a thumbs up.

“Headed to surgery,” Alexander wrote on Twitter. “Wish me luck!!”

The Chargers wide receiver underwent reconstructive surgery on his right knee Thursday morning, repairing the anterior cruciate ligament tear he suffered Aug. 6 in practice. Dr. James Andrews performed the surgery at his office in the Pensacola area, the same site Chargers safety Brandon Taylor had his ACL repaired in January.